“After back-to-back years of storms that swept away roads, bridges, businesses and entire communities, we know stream gauges are a key tool to staying ahead of the storm, and keeping our families safe,” Senator Gillibrand said. “When we let this funding fall to the wayside, we leave Owego families and businesses vulnerable to more dangerous flooding. We need this federal investment to keep the necessary precautions in place that monitor and protect us from disaster.”

Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee in 2011 left 90 percent of Owego under water.

The Owego Creek stream gauge was placed one mile north of the village to help warn residents of flooding. Gillibrand says the modest cost of $9,800 to fund the stream gauge is more cost-effective than its removal.